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Legislators are expected to resume debate today on a halt to foreclosures and non-essential evictions for the duration of Massachusetts’ state of emergency, after one lawmaker objected to the proposed House-Senate deal Thursday.
The action by State Rep. Shawn Dooley, R-Norfolk, put off action on the compromise bill spurred by the COVID-19 crisis until the next session begins at 2 p.m. In a statement issued today, Dooley said he will drop his opposition despite his continuing objections.
“Since this bill is strongly supported by most of my colleagues and is being pushed hard by the Governor, I
will not stand in its way and I can only hope and pray that I am wrong of the effects it will have. Time
will tell,” Dooley wrote.
A House-Senate committee on Wednesday had agreed upon the latest version of the bill prohibiting multifamily landlords from filing eviction notices on renters, and a moratorium on foreclosures, during the state of emergency.
During informal sessions during the legislation, a single member can halt proceedings by registering an objection.
Housing Committee Chairman Kevin Honan of Boston, one of two House Democrats on the conference committee, said he was “very disappointed” by Dooley’s objections and was not aware that the Republican had concerns with the legislation.
Dooley said his concerns are centered on the effects for small property owners.
“This bill will have serious negative effects on the corporations who own hundreds of properties, and although they should still be afforded ample legal protection, that is not who I am concerned with. I am worried about the family that owns and lives in a triple decker and is reliant on the rents from the other two units to pay their bills, not only their mortgage, but their property tax, property maintenance, insurance, etc.,” Dooley said in a statement released today.
Rep. Mike Connolly, who filed the original House bill last month, said the legislation is “critical” to supporting the public health objective of asking people to stay home.
Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, said the bill contains insufficient protections for multifamily landlords.
“From an industry perspective, it’s not a balanced bill. It’s still heavily weighted in favor of the tenant, and we’re hoping the multifamily industry doesn’t become collateral damage,” Vasil said.
Material from State House News Service was included in this report. This report has been updated to include a statement from Rep. Shawn Dooley.
